‘We are a secular country’: Bombay HC pulls up BMC over Dia Mirza video, asks civic body to restore Diwali campaign
Mumbai/IBNS: The Bombay High Court on Tuesday directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to re-upload actor Dia Mirza's pollution-free Diwali awareness video, expressing strong displeasure over its removal and emphasising the secular fabric of the country, media reports said.
The BMC had taken down Mirza's anti-firecracker campaign video from its social media platforms on November 1, 2026, following objections from Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde and Mumbai BJP chief Ameet Satam.
The decision triggered a political controversy, particularly as similar videos featuring other celebrities remained online.
In her video, Mirza appealed to citizens to avoid excessive use of firecrackers and celebrate Diwali responsibly.
The campaign also featured actors Madhuri Dixit and Nishigandha Wad, along with cricketer Ajinkya Rahane.
Mumbai Mayor calls Dia Mirza 'anti-Hindu'
The controversy escalated after Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde criticised the actor, calling her anti-Hindu and accusing her of taking positions against the government and Hindutva.
Tawde also questioned why the BMC had selected Mirza for the campaign without consulting the elected political leadership.
She reportedly said the actor would be blacklisted from activities associated with the BJP-led Mahayuti government.
The mayor maintained that her objection was not related to Mirza's religion but to the actor's alleged political positions.
Dia Mirza defends participation
Mirza defended her participation in the campaign, saying the video was recorded to raise public awareness.
"Air pollution is a matter of public health, and every effort towards reducing it is a step towards a better environment for all," she said.
The actor also questioned why anyone would object to a video recorded at the BMC's request and in line with Bombay High Court directives.
She clarified that she had not received any payment for participating in the campaign.
Bombay High Court expresses displeasure
A bench of Justices Girish Kulkarni and Neela Gokhale described the removal of the video as an act reflecting a "petty mindset" among certain people who are also public representatives.
The court said it was the "most unfortunate" that a campaign for a pollution-free and noise-free Diwali had been given a communal colour.
"We have not seen any politician or any person who made remarks yesterday put up videos spreading awareness. We are a secular country. We are really hurt by this. The issue pertains to the environment and every person, irrespective of their religion and caste, is breathing the same air," the court said, as quoted by NDTV.
"There has to be a secular spirit, and the Constitution expects citizens to foster the same. If the clip was taken off, then it would be ideal that the same should be re-uploaded," it added.
The court also stressed the importance of unity among Mumbai residents, warning against disturbing the "strong feeling of belonging to society" through loose comments.
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